Chapter 2 - The Hidden Name
Damian stared at the blinking cursor on the screen.
A dead man could not type a passcode.
Mia suddenly shifted on the leather sofa and rubbed her eyes.
She sat up and looked around the bunker without a single trace of fear.
Damian walked over and crouched in front of her.
He held up the silver pocket watch by its chain.
He asked her gently where she had found the shiny toy.
Mia smiled and said her Mommy told her to give it to the scary man.
Damian asked her what her Mommy's name was.
The little girl just shrugged and asked for a glass of water.
Damian signaled for Luca to fetch the water.
He pulled out his phone and called Doctor Evans.
He ordered the syndicate's private physician to come to the bunker immediately.
Damian suspected the child might be carrying a microchip or a tracking device.
Doctor Evans arrived ten minutes later with a black medical bag.
He carefully examined the toddler while she drank her water.
He ran a handheld scanner over her arms and neck.
The scanner did not pick up any electronic frequencies.
Then the doctor picked up the stuffed rabbit.
He squeezed the worn fabric and felt a hard lump near the torn seam.
Doctor Evans used a surgical scalpel to cut the threads open.
He reached inside and pulled out a small, folded piece of plastic.
It was a hospital identification bracelet.
Damian snatched the bracelet from the doctor's hand.
He flattened the plastic strip against the metal desk.
The name printed in bold black letters was Elena Romano.
Elena was Damian's older sister.
She had died in a tragic car accident on the same night their father passed away.
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Damian checked the admission date printed beneath the name.
The hospital bracelet had been issued yesterday afternoon.
